Turf blocks - what to do

[Maggiethecat]

I’ve just widened a border and dug out blocks of turf.

Wondering if I should shake off the attached soil back into the bed?

If not, what can I do with the blocks?

If you have somewhere to store them, you can stack them upside down and if you leave them for a while, they should break down into compost/soil that you can then use in the garden.

You could try and shake off as much soil as possible and then dispose of the turf/roots left, but this is very hard work (and not usually that successful unless the soil is very dry/sandy!)

Will check if it’s easy to shake off as I don’t have space to dry all that turf!

It doesn't need to dry. No lost, empty corner behind the shed? I did the same when I widened borders, stack it upside down, leave it to compost. It gives a lovely tilth. You could use it in a (below ground) hugelkultur bed.

I reuse all mine, I put it upside down in raised beds, or in compost heaps, or in corners to break down and use it in the future. It is a good resourse and shouldn't be wasted.

If you let it dry out a bit you can absolutely shake off the soil onto the bed, and put the grass and roots in a compost bin to compost down.

Freecycle it / give away facebook page?

I can try to bung it somewhere, it’s a bit messy though.

if I do shake soil off into the beds do I risk grass growing in the beds? I know it’s not seed season but just wondering…